...University of Phoenix MMPBL 560 Managing in a Cross-Cultural Environment November 9, 2009 Managing across cultures is no easy task for any organization regardless of its economies of scale or long standing reputation in the market; the challenges are many, including coping with the flux of change, managing diverse groups of employees, communicating, and negotiating agreements with host countries. This paper illustrates how Johnson and Johnson, Allstate, Starbucks, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Shell, Whataburger, and Sony USA address their cultural diversity. Thus, the authors of this paper analyze, evaluate, and assess the various successful best practices of these organizations to help Riordan Manufacturing’s situation. Riordan Manufacturing’s decision to open a new production facility in China has created some challenges involving the scarcity of Chinese skilled employees. Whereas leadership attempts alternative solutions to synergize the company’s strategies to address the situation, Riordan recognizes that the integration of a diverse workforce has the potential to alter the company’s performance (University of Phoenix, 2009). Accordingly, in analyzing cultural synergy strategies to help mitigate undesirable outcomes takes extra consideration, yet it is a necessary task (Hodgetts, Luthans, Doh, 2005). When reviewing Johnson and Johnson, it is evident that the company struggled with managing diversity and cultural differences. However, Johnson and Johnson stepped...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Jodi Jewett SOC 315 May 16, 2011 Tramayne Butler Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Diversity and Inclusion are a part of everyday life in America. Diversity is within every culture and group including ethnical groups, gender, and workplaces. Diversity is the similarities and differences where Inclusion is the act of being included in that diversity group. It is important to know and understand the diversity and inclusion to gain the knowledge and understanding of people around us. What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. “Cultural diversity is commonly interpreted in relation to ethnicity. However, the term should be understood within a broader context where it recognizes the unique attributes of all persons” (La Trobe University, Oct). The dimensions of culture diversity are the difference and similarities within the culture groups. There are many different dimensions within a culture group, such as, dress attire, language, race, and gender. Within a culture there are many different languages, especially in American culture. While some women must not show in sin in one culture, they may be allowed to show as much as they want in another culture. There also different diversities with genders and cultures. In one culture women are treated as equal as men, and in another the women must wait on the man and are not as high ranked as the...
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...This essay is aimed towards determining whether a relationship between cultural diversity and globalization is present or not, and if globalization does indeed pose a threat to cultural diversity. “The negative side to globalization is that it wipes out entire economic systems and in doing so wipes out the accompanying culture.” Peter L. Berger (American sociologist) Globalization is broken down into different categories, these being cultural, economical, political and technological globalization. It is due this process that barriers are broken down and interaction occurs between individuals of different races, nationalities and cultural back grounds. It is a movement towards an integrated global economy characterized by the free exchange of goods and capital. In popular discourse, Globalization is often related to the Internet revolution, free-market economies and the predominantly western political, economic and cultural lifestyle. This movement is supported by a large range of modern technologies. It is because of globalization that society believes that wealth and higher standards of living will strike developing nations. The above statement was supported by authors of the book, the effect of globalization on African countries: an over view of Nigeria. The two authors (C. R. Eze and J Nkwede) firmly believe that globalization is a strong enforcer of development and poverty reduction in Africa. Plenty agree with Eze and Nkwede as they have deemed the process as a positive...
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...Diversity Tabitha Davenport Cultural Diversity February 10, 2011 Richard Gilbert Diversity Cultural diversity is the idea that cultural identities, whether a difference or a similarity should be maintained and valued. America experiences much of this diversity as it is the “melting pot” of countries. The philosophy of America that “all people are created equal” is false because of people keeping racism alive. When a group of people think they are superior to another group this is racism. Diversity is the unification of many cultures living, learning and advancing together for the greater good of the society (Schaefer, R 2011). The primary dimensions of cultural diversity include age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, and mental/physical abilities. The secondary dimensions may include geographic location, income, family status, education, military, and work experience. Diversity and Inclusion Diversity, being the fusion of many cultural groups residing in harmony can relate to the workplace as well as the home. Developing a diverse environment in the workplace creates an “inclusive” feeling among employees. Diversity is the encompassing of the differences and the similarities of each employee. Diversity, according to Harvey & Allard, 2009 (p. 1) is “the ways in which people differ that may affect their organizational experience in terms of performance, motivation, communication, and inclusion.” Inclusion occurs when these diverse employees feel...
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...Abstract Culture Diversity in Business is Simple you First have to have the steps in order to be successful both America and Overseas, which is not easy because you have to appeal to both areas and have the necessary steps put in place already in order to be successful. The second important thing in my eyes is that you have to make it diversity and appeal to all workers and customers of your business. Cultural Diversity In order to be a successful company overseas you have to have Cultural diversity but not only that I think you have to have attitude acceptance. I think that the reason why we as American work so good together is because we learn to welcome others people diversity and I think that is the reason why we are call the melting pot because we have so many different cultures in America and the military and I’m so thankful as a person I get to experience that as a soldiers and become wiser on life but sometimes in America we may have diverse cultures relating to ethnicity but then there is the culture we have as Americans that reflect the thoughts and actions of our environment. Because of our history of assimilation we are not always as acceptable of difference, but as we evolve and understand ourselves and the world around us that will also change and sometimes that is for the better. I feel that we as American don’t fully understand the cultural differences so then I ask you what is culture it is to me, what we think...
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...Michael Merrill Composition 5 February Multiculturalism in America Does anyone actually remember, at what age, when they realized that they were culturally different than the next little boy or girl? Did someone actually inform you that you were culturally different or was it learned on its own as you grew up? In the essay “They’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught”, Susan Brady Konig shares her experience about Cultural Diversity Month at her daughter, Sarah’s, preschool. During Cultural Diversity Month, Miss Laura is teaching the little preschoolers about the differences in each one of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The kids are being taught where their family came from, what race the kids are, and how it makes them all unique or different. Little preschoolers should probably have some type of knowledge of their background but not at two or three years old. One would agree with Susan Brady Konig that the idea of teaching multiculturalism in schools can cause cultural divides in this country. If it were to be taught in school, it should be taught later in life when students are able to comprehend and process the differences between ethnic cultures. Kids should be taught the alphabet and how to count instead of learning the color of their skin. They should grow up and learn the American culture before learning about their ancestral heritage. If a child wants to know where they came from or what their culture is, let their parents explain to them why their skin is that...
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...FORTY-SECOND REGULAR SESSION OEA/Ser.P June 3 to 5, 2012 AG/doc.5242/12 rev. 2 Cochabamba, Bolivia 20 September 2012 Original: Spanish/English SOCIAL CHARTER OF THE AMERICAS (Adopted at the second plenary session, held on June 4, 2012, and reviewed by the Style Committee) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, CONSIDERING that the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS) provides that integral development encompasses the economic, social, educational, cultural, scientific, and technological fields through which the goals that each country sets for accomplishing it should be achieved; TAKING INTO ACCOUNT that the Inter-American Democratic Charter recognizes that democracy and social and economic development are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and that promotion and observance of economic, social, and cultural rights are inherently linked to integral development, equitable economic growth, and the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law in the states of the Hemisphere; RECOGNIZING that social justice and equity are essential for democracy; CONSIDERING that the Charter of the OAS establishes among its essential purposes to eradicate extreme poverty; CONSIDERING AS WELL that extreme poverty constitutes an obstacle to development and, in particular, to the full democratic development of the peoples of the Hemisphere; and that its elimination is essential and constitutes a common and shared responsibility...
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...Final Project Christy Arnette 11/27/2012 ETH/125 Gretchen Badalamenti Cultural diversity is a combination of differences that have to do with race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability. Diversity can be in a specific region or in the world as a whole. We live in a diverse society that has its challenges and advantages. I’ve learned a lot about diversity throughout this course. Diversity has a long history and is important in recognizing people’s customs, cultures, and religion even throughout history. We as people want to express our own identity in a manner that we choose. This class has opened my eyes to how many different cultures there are and how important it is to treat everyone equal. The information I’ve learned about diversity in the United States has helped me better understand or relate to others in ways that I may have not in the past because when I found out what other people from different identity groups have been through in their lives made me have a greater respect for them. At my place of employment, the majority race is Mexican and I’ve heard stories of how some of them got to America and it broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine my children and I sitting in a hot desert for two days and only having water and cookies to eat and drink. I think diversity all over the world is important because it can enhance personal and social interactions which could make different identity...
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...WORKPLACE In today society and living in America, there are different Cultures of people professionally, politically, educationally. In addition, with different religion, sexual orientation and spiritually. Sometimes interferes with the quality of life that influence the way we caring ourselves when interacting with people from different Cultural and background. Communication gap may influence others how they communicate with people from different cultural. During work this may lead a major problem developing and associating with co -workers and production ability to reach it goals (Diversity Journal, 2015). The elements of concern influence the work environment are how individual conduct themselves at work around people of different background. Always can lead to change of behavior toward others and a different style of communicating with others. Problems when involves a diversity of people may become a challenges for all and conflicts among those that are involve. Together in a diversity of Cultural may become a challenge because of the different beliefs and Values that are taught to each individual as they become adults. They take those beliefs with them may be unconscious not fully aware of how they are approaching situations by using their beliefs and Values from cultural. When confronted with someone different beliefs are when we rely the difference among us (Diversity Journal,2015). As an Africa America living in a city of diversity we have a tendency to judge others...
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...Cultural Awareness Standing outside waiting for the bus to pick her up for school, Mary Mejie said she remembers the constant teasing of kids taunting her to play kung fu with them as they pulled and tugged on her long jet-black hair. “The kids would speak in some made up language and call me Chinese,” Mary said. Mary’s father is Japanese and her mother is Filipino. “I grew up in the Philippines, but my early schooling was in the city of Baltimore,” Mary noted. Reluctant to admit initially that the teasing came from kids of other cultural backgrounds, Mary later admitted it primarily came from African- American kids. According to an article on the Democrat and Chronicle website, a newspaper in Rochester, N.Y., studies show that children exposed to different cultures at a young age have enhanced social and emotional development. According to the study, children learn about differences and similarities and increase their sense of self. In addition, this understanding prevents aggressive and self-controlling behaviors in children, the study explained and helps them adapt better to a changing environment. Now an adult, Mary says she realizes that, as children in school, they were not taught to understand or care about the differences or similarities of other cultures. “We were just happy to have friends that looked like we did to play with,” Mary noted. As a young adult, Suzette Hampton, an African-American mother of four and...
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...Illegal immigration should be allowed in the United States because they bring culture and diversity. BBC News states that “ the melting pot imagery has been contested by the idea of multiculturalism, the “salad bowl theory”, or as it is known in Canada, “the Cultural Mosaic”, whereby the immigrants retain their own national characteristics while integrating into a new society” (“Melting pot America” par.20) . BBC News put into words that while immigrants are trying to settle into a new society and new culture they can express their lifestyle along the way. The process of integrating into a new civilization is all about coming together as a whole which creates “America’s Melting point” status. BBC News explains that immigrants have been coming...
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...Name Axia College of University of Phoenix Cultural Diversity ETH 125 Instructor September 16, 2010 Capstone Checkpoint This cultural diversity class has helped me to understand the social, cultural, and economic conditions that affect ethnic and racial groups in the U.S. Sometimes the fact that all citizens started as immigrants from other countries and faced similar struggles with assimilation is forgotten. The same struggles faced by the current influx of Hispanic Americans and other groups in America are the same social, cultural, and economic issues faced by previous ethnic and racial minority groups that are currently considered a staple of the U.S. population. My family is classified as part of the Japanese American cultural background; this was a particularly interesting learning area as it was something that I had never given much thought. I think the learning about the struggles my ancestors endured when they came to this country has helped me to view immigration and the treatment of immigrants much differently. The immigrant groups that are more prevalent today are part of America’s successful future and should be treated as such. Helping to make the average immigrant a contributing member of society through bilingual education and programs making the transition easier will benefit America as well as the immigrant. By the year 2050 America will continue to grow in racial and ethnic diversity, particularly with the Hispanic, Arab American...
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...Abstract Many websites are available on the Internet with information on the various diversity groups in America. The U.S. population’s diversity is influenced by immigration. There are both benefits and challenges to having such a diverse population. Fostering a culture of acceptance in society is key to reaping more benefits and reducing challenges. Mass media has an influential impact in society, perpetuating stereotypes or building appreciation for diversity. If individuals and the U.S can come together, they can reduce prejudice and increase acceptance and tolerance. Final Paper The plethora of information about diversity in the United States can give someone a better understanding than they may have previously had. Through understanding, a person may be able to better relate to someone that is different. Many websites are available on the Internet with information on the various diversity groups in America. The diversity of the U.S. is ever changing with immigration and inter-racial couples having children. As the country becomes more diverse, we will face challenges as well as receive benefits. The key to reaping more benefits, while reducing the challenges, is to foster a culture of acceptance in society. The media plays a large influential role in society and can work to perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice or build appreciation for diversity. Working together, the government and the people can work to reduce prejudice through...
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...rather than strife” (Carson, R. 1999). This definition presents the foundational belief of pride, freedom, value, ideas that formed America. One of the most unique aspects of the United States is the diversity of its people. On the Statue of Liberty is engraved “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free,” America has upheld through the mixture of people of different races, religions, and creeds. According to James Banks’s Introduction to Multicultural Education (Boston, 1999) shares that multicultural education consist of: equity pedagogy, empowerment, knowledge construction, content integration, and prejudice reduction. Equity pedagogy involves teachers modifying their teaching to facilitate the academic achievement of culturally diverse students (Tummala-Narra, P. 2009). There is an approach to teaching and learning that is based on conscious building, respect, and fostering cultural pluralism within racial societies. So why is the United States and most importantly the teachers in the classroom at odds with the idea of a multi-cultural and classroom? America, is the “melting pot”of the world. It has been stated that by the year 2025 the public schools will be predominately influx with minorities (Santrock, 2004). There are many reasons why multiculturaism shoud be taught in schools. Multi-cultural education is beneficial to our schools because it reduces fear, ignorance, and other feelings that some students deal with in the...
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...businesses today, diversity initiatives have emerged as a core component of many companies’ mission statements and driving human resource practices (Andrulis & Sanchdev, 2009). As companies expand globally, there is one corporation that has expanded in diversity globally. Starbuck’s is one of the largest coffee companies in America and a cross the world that is diverse culturally. So, how does Starbucks utilize its cultural intelligence to increase the awareness of diversity in the workplace? Is workplace diversity important to employees at Starbucks? Starbucks’ believe that to operate successfully in a global marketplace, embracing diversity in every aspect of their business is absolutely essential (www.starbucks.com). Diversity is something that brings everyone together, race, gender, religion, cultural background, experience etc… Diverse workplaces do the same as well, learning from one another and being able to work in an environment with different ethnicities. Diversity brings opportunities within the organization and the learning capability increase from the many cultures. By Starbucks being a global corporation, the company has to maintain their diversity not just for the workplace but also for the community. In this paper I will describe and explain the foundation of Starbucks Company, and how diversity is implemented in the workplace. I will also discuss how diversity is implemented in my work organization and my opinion of the importance of diversity in a workplace...
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